Michael Brissenden presents AM Monday to Friday from 8:00am on ABC Local Radio and 7:10am on Radio National. Join Elizabeth Jackson for the Saturday edition at 8am on Local Radio and 7am on Radio National.

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Wednesday 21 August 2002

AM is Australia's most informative morning current affairs. It covers the stories each morning that the other current affairs teams follow for the rest of the day. Below is the program summary with links to transcripts and audio (if available).

Archbishop Pell denies sexual assault claims

The Archbishop of Sydney, Doctor George Pell, rocked the faith yesterday afternoon, when he announced he was stepping aside as the nation's most prominent Catholic leader, pending an inquiry into allegations that he sexually assaulted a 12-year old altar boy more than 40 years ago. But issuing an emphatic and repeated denial of the claims, Archbishop Pell has managed to retain the confidence of many of his peers, as well as that of the Prime Minister.

Details of allegations emerge

Church sets up inquiry into allegations

The decision to set up an inquiry into the allegations against Dr Pell has been made by the church's National Committee of Professional Standards. The co-chair of that group, Brother Michael Hill, has been speaking to AM.

Sexual abuse victims call for royal commission

The Prime Minister might not want a royal commission into the issue of abuse by the clergy, but victims do. In fact they say it's the only way to address issues that remain of concern to them. Quite apart from this latest claim, many victims insist that they've been mistreated by the church and its internal protocols which have been set up to deal with sex abuse cases.

Another challenge for the Democrats

There's a new and very serious challenge to the Australian Democrats leader, Natasha Stott-Despoja today, with her colleagues forcing her to debate the internal party crisis this morning against her wishes. In the face of this challenge, Senator Stott-Despoja denies that she's contemplating quitting the leadership, but she is questioning the motives of her colleagues.

Parliament debates stem cell legislation

Debate has been underway in Canberra on the controversial stem cell legislation. Enjoying a conscience vote for the first time since the euthanasia debate 6 years ago, MPs from the 3 major parties have argued largely for scientists to be allowed to use embryonic stem cells in their research.

Asylum seekers return to Afghanistan

Almost a year after asylum seekers were intercepted by Australian troops aboard the Norwegian freighter, the Tampa, some of them have taken the two-thousand dollars offered by the Australian Government and returned home to Afghanistan.

School caretaker charged with murder

Geoff Clark will face the civil court

Two women who allege that they were raped by Geoff Clark will take their case to the civil courts. One of the women has already brought rape charges against the ATSIC head, Mr Clark, but the case was dismissed due to lack of evidence. Now, the women are suing him for the mental and physical injuries they say they suffered over the alleged incidents.